The next morning after the game, we decided to check out a nearby Farmers Market. We love Farmer's Markets and go to the one here in Manhattan, Kansas roughly twice a month. We went to the Kansas City River Market in Kansas City, Missouri. It was huge! We tried Amish made pecan cinnamon rolls and they were terrific!
They had an Italian market, Carollo's Gourmet Grocery, Deli, and Grill with cannolis and I had to get some. I hadn't had a good cannoli since leaving Italy four years ago. While there, I also tried their sea salt chocolate caramel gelato. There aren't places like that in Manhattan, Kansas and I didn't want to miss out. So glad we stopped there.
From there we stopped at Sephora in the Plaza, so I could get a few things.
We headed back to the Legends area and are at Casa Agave. Their food was awful and that was the down part of our trip.
We did a little more shopping at Legends and headed home.
It was so nice to get away for a night with my mom. We had fun exploring KC!
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
KC, Part 1
Last month, my mom and I decided to take a mini trip to Kansas City. It all started because my cousin had a gift certificate for a suite at a fancy Kansas City hotel that he wouldn't be able to use before it expired.
I hadn't attended a Royals game in awhile and mom was game. Later, I shockingly found out that this would be her first Royals or professional baseball game for that matter.
We headed out to Kansas City and stopped to shop at Legend's, a wonderful outlet mall, along the way. We, of course, stopped at T.J.Maxx, one of our favorite stores.
Next, we headed to the hotel that was in the Power and Light District, the Ambassador. It was beautiful and classy. Anyone headed to the Power and Light District should stay there, it's so convenient.
We went to get an early dinner before the game at the Power and Light District, since my mom had never been. We ate at Gordon Biersch. I had a terrific salad.
Next, we left for Kauffman Stadium which was a short drive away. Leaving early was the key and we were able to get in and parked in a decent about of time. We splurged for good seats.
What we hadn't expected was how cold it would get that night. Despite the fact that it was late April and had been sunny and warm during the day, the wind was insane. My mom ended up spending part of the game in the team store. Nevertheless, the Royals won and we made priceless memories.
I hadn't attended a Royals game in awhile and mom was game. Later, I shockingly found out that this would be her first Royals or professional baseball game for that matter.
We headed out to Kansas City and stopped to shop at Legend's, a wonderful outlet mall, along the way. We, of course, stopped at T.J.Maxx, one of our favorite stores.
Next, we headed to the hotel that was in the Power and Light District, the Ambassador. It was beautiful and classy. Anyone headed to the Power and Light District should stay there, it's so convenient.
We went to get an early dinner before the game at the Power and Light District, since my mom had never been. We ate at Gordon Biersch. I had a terrific salad.
Next, we left for Kauffman Stadium which was a short drive away. Leaving early was the key and we were able to get in and parked in a decent about of time. We splurged for good seats.
What we hadn't expected was how cold it would get that night. Despite the fact that it was late April and had been sunny and warm during the day, the wind was insane. My mom ended up spending part of the game in the team store. Nevertheless, the Royals won and we made priceless memories.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Readers from 73 Countries
Welcome to my new readers from Namibia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Taiwan, Honduras, Chile, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Phillipines, São Tomé & Príncipe, Angola, Austria, Ecuador, Lebanon, Colombia, Egypt, and Benin. It blows my mind and humbles me that so many people from so many different countries have read my blog. I always enjoy pulling up a map and learning where each country is located.
I've previously had readers from these: Macedonia, United Arab Emirates, Cayman Islands, Ireland, Latvia, Australia, Dominican Republic, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, China, Serbia, Netherlands, Venezuela, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, Mongolia, France, Israel, Czech Republic, South Korea, Romania, Spain, India, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Canada, Cameroon, Slovakia, Hong Kong, and obviously the United States. Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia, Andorra, Denmark, Bulgaria, Sweden, Philippines, Belgium, Moldova, Algeria, Singapore, Greece, Estonia, Portugal, Kenya, and Croatia!
Readers, what do you most enjoy reading from me? I want to better engage you. Funny stories, how-to tips, recipes, travel recaps, movie/music reviews, life stories, etc.?
I've previously had readers from these: Macedonia, United Arab Emirates, Cayman Islands, Ireland, Latvia, Australia, Dominican Republic, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, China, Serbia, Netherlands, Venezuela, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, Mongolia, France, Israel, Czech Republic, South Korea, Romania, Spain, India, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Canada, Cameroon, Slovakia, Hong Kong, and obviously the United States. Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia, Andorra, Denmark, Bulgaria, Sweden, Philippines, Belgium, Moldova, Algeria, Singapore, Greece, Estonia, Portugal, Kenya, and Croatia!
Readers, what do you most enjoy reading from me? I want to better engage you. Funny stories, how-to tips, recipes, travel recaps, movie/music reviews, life stories, etc.?
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Outgrowing Friendships
As we get older, life changes. Sometimes, we try to stay friends with people that it just doesn't work with anymore. I've known deep down for awhile that I need to step away from some one-sided friendships, but that's hard to do. It's not easy to step away from someone you've made memories and shared life with. At some point in time, the friendships are no longer beneficial.
The Why?
If you're really not sharing life together anymore, why still be friends?
I want more than to share major life happenings (weddings, baby showers, etc.). If all you're doing is sharing major life happenings and nothing more, what kind of friendship is that?
I realized that I was the one who made all the contact, minus the life happenings invites and that wasn't enough.
Hard Stuff
It's taken me so long to come to this decision, because I always want to be the better person.
Also, the thought of losing a friend is sad. I decided that wasn't a good enough reason and that quality friendships are better than the number of friendships.
What That Means
This doesn't mean that I'm deleting them from Facebook or blocking their calls/texts.
What it does mean is that I'm stepping away from these friendships.
They can make the effort or not. I'm okay losing these friendships. I know they love it when I remember their birthdays, but it sucks that they never remember mine.
I'm a firm believer that people make time for what's important to them. So, I'm making room in my life for people who value friendship.
The Why?
If you're really not sharing life together anymore, why still be friends?
I want more than to share major life happenings (weddings, baby showers, etc.). If all you're doing is sharing major life happenings and nothing more, what kind of friendship is that?
I realized that I was the one who made all the contact, minus the life happenings invites and that wasn't enough.
Hard Stuff
It's taken me so long to come to this decision, because I always want to be the better person.
Also, the thought of losing a friend is sad. I decided that wasn't a good enough reason and that quality friendships are better than the number of friendships.
What That Means
This doesn't mean that I'm deleting them from Facebook or blocking their calls/texts.
What it does mean is that I'm stepping away from these friendships.
They can make the effort or not. I'm okay losing these friendships. I know they love it when I remember their birthdays, but it sucks that they never remember mine.
I'm a firm believer that people make time for what's important to them. So, I'm making room in my life for people who value friendship.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Songs Stuck in My Head
Hello to my new Russian readers!
I'm embarrassed to say that I've had an Ariana Grande song stuck in my head for almost a week now. It's Dangerous Woman.
Rather randomly, I also have Steven Tyler's newer-ish country song stuck in my head. Love it! It was such a different song from that he normally does that I really came to like it.
What songs are stuck in your head?
I'm embarrassed to say that I've had an Ariana Grande song stuck in my head for almost a week now. It's Dangerous Woman.
Rather randomly, I also have Steven Tyler's newer-ish country song stuck in my head. Love it! It was such a different song from that he normally does that I really came to like it.
What songs are stuck in your head?
Friday, April 29, 2016
Spare Parts, the Movie
Earlier this year while looking through movie options on Hulu, I thought this movie looked interesting. It had several familiar faces: George Lopez, Marisa Tomei, Carlos PenaVega, and Alexa PenaVega. It was a heart-warming story of underdogs achieving greatness despite all odds. In a high school on the West Coast, undocumented students come together to form a robotics club with George Lopez's character as their advisor. They work together to compete in a robotics competition against reigning champions, MIT. I loved their determination and resourcefulness, as they obviously had a much smaller budget than teams like MIT.
I found out that Spare Parts is actually a book and I plan to read it this summer. Kansas State University has a book of the year for students to read and this fall's book is Spare Parts.
I really enjoyed the movie and I think you will too.
I found out that Spare Parts is actually a book and I plan to read it this summer. Kansas State University has a book of the year for students to read and this fall's book is Spare Parts.
I really enjoyed the movie and I think you will too.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Ruelle-I Get To Love You
I'm again addicted to Dancing with the Stars. I watched one of this year's contestants, Nyle win America's Next Top Model and was excited to watch him again. He has the best attitude ever and happens to be deaf. His dances blow me away every week. This week's dance was especially moving and I fell in love with the song; in particular the beautiful lyrics! I hope you love it too!
I would've included the music video, but I didn't like it that much.
I would've included the music video, but I didn't like it that much.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Fitbit Flex
I'm Addicted!
I was using a pedometer, but it was a pain as it easily re-set itself and was impossible to wear with dresses. I knew, I essentially just wanted something to track steps and stairs. I have a watch and also didn't care about it relaying calls and texts. Thankfully, I friend had a Fitbit Flex that she wasn't using.
How it Works
It wasn't hard to figure out the Flex; each dot represents 2,000 steps. The blinking dots mean you're on your way to earning that next 2,000 steps.
Charge
While I heard that it has to be charged a lot, I haven't found that to be the case. I charge it twice a week. The phone app tells you how much battery you have left and I haven't found that to be accurate. Also, once it emailed me that it was dying, but hasn't since.
Features
It tracks my sleep which is really cool to see, including how many times I woke up during the night, as well as times of restlessness.
I can track my calories. It has a nice list of product's calories, so for my fig bars, I just found the brand and listed how many I ate.
It tracks roughly how many calories you've burned as well.
You can track how much water you drink.
You can add friends and see how your steps compare towards theirs. This has been really helpful as I'm very competitive. "What do you mean I'm 150 steps behind so-and-so? Not anymore, I'm taking out the trash!" I've even asked a high-stepping friend how he gets in so many steps. I've incorporated some of his feedback into what I do daily.
You also earn badges for your first 10,000 steps, etc. These are neat and motivating.
You can also start competitions. A friend of mine added me and a bunch of other people to a weekend challenge. During the weekend, I generally don't walk a lot, so the added motivation was great!
Statistics
I love stats and there are a ton on the app. It compares my steps to last week. My total steps this week compared to my friends. You get the idea.
App
The app is really intuitive and easy-to-use. My only issue with it is when I'm adding in food I've eaten and it freezes and kicks me out before I can add the other items I've eaten.
Overall
I love my Fitbit Flex and can't imagine life without it. I will note that it doesn't track stairs.
I was using a pedometer, but it was a pain as it easily re-set itself and was impossible to wear with dresses. I knew, I essentially just wanted something to track steps and stairs. I have a watch and also didn't care about it relaying calls and texts. Thankfully, I friend had a Fitbit Flex that she wasn't using.
How it Works
It wasn't hard to figure out the Flex; each dot represents 2,000 steps. The blinking dots mean you're on your way to earning that next 2,000 steps.
Charge
While I heard that it has to be charged a lot, I haven't found that to be the case. I charge it twice a week. The phone app tells you how much battery you have left and I haven't found that to be accurate. Also, once it emailed me that it was dying, but hasn't since.
Features
It tracks my sleep which is really cool to see, including how many times I woke up during the night, as well as times of restlessness.
I can track my calories. It has a nice list of product's calories, so for my fig bars, I just found the brand and listed how many I ate.
It tracks roughly how many calories you've burned as well.
You can track how much water you drink.
You can add friends and see how your steps compare towards theirs. This has been really helpful as I'm very competitive. "What do you mean I'm 150 steps behind so-and-so? Not anymore, I'm taking out the trash!" I've even asked a high-stepping friend how he gets in so many steps. I've incorporated some of his feedback into what I do daily.
You can also start competitions. A friend of mine added me and a bunch of other people to a weekend challenge. During the weekend, I generally don't walk a lot, so the added motivation was great!
Statistics
I love stats and there are a ton on the app. It compares my steps to last week. My total steps this week compared to my friends. You get the idea.
App
The app is really intuitive and easy-to-use. My only issue with it is when I'm adding in food I've eaten and it freezes and kicks me out before I can add the other items I've eaten.
Overall
I love my Fitbit Flex and can't imagine life without it. I will note that it doesn't track stairs.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Throwing a Baby Shower on a Budget
I wanted to throw a surprise baby shower for a friend, but it HAD to be on a shoestring budget.
I started with a secret Pinterest board; gathering game, food, and decoration ideas.
My Inspiration
(You may remember that I made this for my parent's 25th Anniversary party. Anyway, my friends LOVED it!) Click here for the recipe.
Making it Work
Thankfully, my cousin had just hosted a baby shower so I borrowed glass plates with cup holders (which were a lifesaver for my small apartment, streamers, napkins, balloons, stencils, and fabric pens with which to decorate bibs. My parent's have a lifetime supply of streamers from my parties, so that helped.
I was shocked by how much everyone enjoyed decorating bibs! They turned out so well!
I found this website and printed out the month for guests to guess the due date.
I also made sugar cookie sandwiches with frosting on the outside rolled in blue, green, and yellow sprinkles. I also made my own version of cheesecake dip which is terrific (cream cheese, sugar, whip cream, sour cream, and a little vanilla. Served my favorite store bought hummus with carrots and pita chips.
Costs
Frame for birthday date guess; $1 (Dollar Tree)
Baby boy-colored sprinkles: $1.83ish (Walmart)
Bibs: $10ish (Target)
Food: $15
Total (minus gift): under $30!!!
Best Part
My friend was surprised, everyone had fun, and she received much-needed items for baby!
I started with a secret Pinterest board; gathering game, food, and decoration ideas.
My Inspiration
Making it Work
Thankfully, my cousin had just hosted a baby shower so I borrowed glass plates with cup holders (which were a lifesaver for my small apartment, streamers, napkins, balloons, stencils, and fabric pens with which to decorate bibs. My parent's have a lifetime supply of streamers from my parties, so that helped.
I was shocked by how much everyone enjoyed decorating bibs! They turned out so well!
I found this website and printed out the month for guests to guess the due date.
I also made sugar cookie sandwiches with frosting on the outside rolled in blue, green, and yellow sprinkles. I also made my own version of cheesecake dip which is terrific (cream cheese, sugar, whip cream, sour cream, and a little vanilla. Served my favorite store bought hummus with carrots and pita chips.
Costs
Frame for birthday date guess; $1 (Dollar Tree)
Baby boy-colored sprinkles: $1.83ish (Walmart)
Bibs: $10ish (Target)
Food: $15
Total (minus gift): under $30!!!
Best Part
My friend was surprised, everyone had fun, and she received much-needed items for baby!
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